Things to Do in North East Thailand – Discover Top Attractions in Isan

Northeast Thailand, known as Isan, is the country’s largest region and contains 20 provinces. From the Mekong rapids and mountain plateaus to its temples and bustling markets, Isan brims with natural and cultural attractions. Travelers to Isan rely on Agoda to find hotels and resorts throughout Thailand, especially in vacation-friendly cities and regions like the following. Discover things to do in North East Thailand.

Ubon Ratchathani

One of the four major cities of Isan, Ubon Ratchathani is famous for its local festivals and national parks. The following are among Ubon’s best-known attractions.

• Warin Chamrap Municipal Food Market – This food market attracts locals and tourists with its handicrafts like traditional wickerwork and textiles as well as its culinary offerings.
• Pha Taem National Park – Located near the Mekong River, Pha Taem National Park is most famous for its extensive rock art and unusual rock formations.
• Wat Sirindhorn Wararam – Meticulously decorated, Wat Sirindhorn Wararam is known as the ‘glow temple’ because of its use of glow-in-the-dark paint. The Buddhist temple attracts photographers as well as tourists from all over the world.
• Kaeng Sam Phan Bok – The largest rock reef of the Mekong River, Kaeng Sam Phan Bok is also called the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Thailand. The river ‘carved’ the rocks over thousands of years to create its basins and unusual sandstone formations.
• Wat Tham Heo Sin Chai – A cave temple, Wat Tham Heo Sin Chai features a rainforest setting that makes a stunning backdrop to its reclining Buddha attraction.

Buriram

Though not on the typical tourist track, Buriram attracts visitors with its Kmer ruins and dazzling natural scenery.

• Phanom Rung Historical Park – With ruins that date to the 11th century, Phanom Rung Historical Park is a Hindu-Kmer Empire complex that was constructed on an extinct volcano. It’s one of Buriram’s most popular attractions.
• Wat Khao Angkhan – A temple that dates to the 8th century, Wat Khao Angkhan features ornate architecture that reflects its long history. Its Buddhist wall murals are among its most intriguing features.
• The So Krao Walking Street – The So Krao Walking Street is famous for its night market. Visitors come to enjoy its nightlife, street food, and local entertainment.
• Khao Kradong Forest Park – An extinct volcano, Khao Kradung Forest Park is unique for its turtle shape and large meditating Buddha.
• Prasat Muang Tam – Prasat Muang Tam is believed to date to the 10th century and features Hindu carvings and inscriptions. It’s one of the best examples of Kmer architecture in the region.

Loei

Travelers in search of ‘untouched Thailand’ will want to discover Loei, one of the country’s most sparsely populated provinces, and its top attractions.

• Skywalk Chiang Khan – The Skywalk of Chiang Khan is an elevated walkway above the Mekong that provides extraordinary views of the river and a 20-meter Buddha statue that graces the site.
• Phu Ruea National Park – Its central boat-shaped mountain is the defining feature of Phu Ruea National Park; many visitors come to hike its trails and enjoy the views from the mountain’s summit.
• Phu Kradueng National Park – In spite of its isolated location, Phu Kradeung National Park is one of the most popular attractions in Isan. It features waterfalls and long trails through majestic scenery.
• Phrathat Sri Song Rak – A white pagoda built in the Lao style, Phrathat Sri Song Rak symbolizes the alliance between Laotian and Thai kings of the 16th century.
• Phi Ta Khon Dan Sai Museum – The Phi Ta Khon Dan Sai Museum features unique collections devoted to area traditions, customs, and, most famously, costumes.

Nakhon Phanom

Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Nakhon Phanom is at a cultural crossroads and, as such, is celebrated for its diverse attractions that include:

• Wat Phanom Woramahawihan – Wat Phanom Woramahawihan is one of the region’s most sacred monuments and monastery.
• Wat Phra That Prasit – Regarded as one of the most beautiful pagodas in all of Thailand, Wat Phra That Prasit. The pagoda features six levels that preserve a myriad of Buddhist relics.
• Third Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge – An important international transportation route for trade. The bridge commemorates the ‘friendship’ between the nations of Thailand and Laos.
• Nakee Cave Famously known as the ‘snake cave of Thailand,’ Nakee Cave features snake-like formations and caverns.
• Namtok Tat Pho – One of the most enchanting waterfalls in Isan, Namtok Tat Pho features water year round but is especially attractive during the rainy season.

Nong Khai

As one of Isan’s most popular areas, Nong Khai brims with natural, historical, and cultural attractions such as:

• Wat Phrathat Bangphuan – A sacred Buddhist temple, Wat Phrathat Bangphuan houses upwards of 25 important Buddhist relics.
• Sala Keoku – Sala Keoku is a park that’s filled with Hindu and Buddhist-inspired concrete sculptures.
• Tha Sadat Market – A bustling market, Tha Sada Market features throngs of vendors that sell items like textiles, produce, basketry, and art.
• Nagu Statue 5 – A famous five-headed statue, Nagu Statue 5 is a stunning gold monument and regional attraction.
• Wang Bua Daeng – Wang Bua Daeng is a lake that’s celebrated for its red lotus blooms. It’s also an important bird migration site.

Mukdahan

Mukdahan is called the Pearl of the Mekong because of its stature as the gateway to the cultures of Indochina. The following are among its most celebrated destinations.

• Wat Roi Phra Puttabat Phu Manorom – Wat Roi Phra Puttabat Phu Manorom is an historic temple compound that features arresting views of the Mekong River.
• Phu Pha Thoep National Park – A small national park, Phu Pha Thoep is best known for its cave paintings and distinctive rock formations.
• Kaeng Krabao – A cataract of the Mekong River, Kaeng Krabao is a picturesque setting where people come to relax and enjoy river views.
• Our Lady of Martyrs of Thailand Shrine – Our Lady of Martyrs of Thailand Shrine is a modern church that was constructed to commemorate seven Thai martyrs of WWII. The church is regarded as one of the most beautiful Roman Catholic churches in Southeast Asia.
• Wat Phra Si Maha Pho – A 100-year-old temple, Wat Phra Si Maha Pho is known for its beautiful paintings made by local artisans and its combination of Thai, Vietnamese, and Western art.

Surin

Surin is famous for its elephants as well as Kmer ruins and other cultural attractions.

• Tung Kula Lake – A relaxing destination for locals and tourists, Tung Kula Lake is popular for swimming and various watersports.
• Huay Saneng Reservoir – Although an important reservoir for supplying water, the Huay Saneng Reservoir is also a glorious setting where visitors come to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and stunning sunrises and sunsets over the water.
• Prasat Sikhoraphum – Prasat Sikhoraphum is an important Kmer temple that scholars believe dates to the 12th century.
• Elephant Study Center – A large elephant park, Surin’s Elephant Study Center is home to roughly 200 elephants, making it one of the largest parks of its kind.
• Phanom Sawai Forest Park – A lush, tranquil park, Phanom Sawai Forest Park features walking trails that lead to a Buddha sculpture and majestic views of the surrounding area.
• Surin National Museum – The Surin National Museum focuses on the province’s history, archaeological findings, and geography.

Roi Et

Centrally located in Isan, Roi Et is celebrated for its jasmine rice as well as its festivals and traditional handicrafts. The following are its best-known attractions.

• Roi Et Tower – Built in the shape of a panpipe, Roi Et Tower has shaped up to become one of the city’s most iconic features.
• Bueng Phlan Chai Park – Bueng Phlan Chai Park is a small but tranquil park located on an island within a manmade lake. The park features gardens and areas for recreational activities.
• Prasat Ku Ka Sing (Stone Castle) – An ancient Kmer stone castle, Prasat Ku Ka Sing is one of the largest ruins of its type in Roi Et.
• Wat Pha Kung – Wat Pha Kung is a Buddhist temple and famous pilgrimage site.
• Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram – With its decadent pagoda with rich gold accents, Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram is a popularly visited shrine that also features a small museum containing religious relics.
• Waterfall Cave Soda – A top-rated Roi Et attraction, Waterfall Cave Soda features cave formations in front of and behind a waterfall. The site also has religious significance.

Sakon Nakhon

With a history that stems 3,000 years, Sakon Nakhon boasts a myriad of historic attractions as well as distinctive natural features and cultural hot spots.

• Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan – A temple and religious monument, Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan was constructed to cover the footprints of four Buddhas.
• Wat Tham Pha Daen – An ancient temple, Wat Tham Pha Daen is known for its golden pagoda and large stone carvings.
• Wat Phra Phutthabat Namthip – Wat Phra Phuttabat Namthip’s claim to fame are its 119 white Buddha statues that line its courtyard.
• Phu Phan National Park – Largely isolated, Phu Phan National Park features jungle terrain where animals like elephants, monkeys, and monitor lizards make their home.
• Phu Pha Lek National Park – Encompassing more than 100,000 acres, Phu Pha Lek National Park is a glorious destination for visitors in search of mountain vistas, lakes, and waterfalls.